American Airlines

Flight attendants on American Airlines flights will be able to offer on-the-spot compensation to travelers who are experiencing an in-flight issue such as a broken tray table, malfunctioning seat or entertainment system or meal shortages.  Compensation will be in the form of AAdvantage frequent flyer miles. The number of miles given will vary based on the severity of the problem. Airline officials say the new procedure will help improve the customer experience as the situation can be resolved at the first point of contact.

Then, American said it is moving another of its airport locations to a cashless model.  Starting January 18, Miami International Airport will join 50 other AA airport operations in accepting only credit or debit cards for desk transactions such as checked bags. American officials don’t expect this change to impact many travelers, however, for those who are traveling with cash, the carrier has installed nearby ReadyStation kiosks that will exchange cash for prepaid Visa debit cards.

Finally, American entered into a new codeshare partnership with China Southern Airlines. The new agreement will provide customers with access to over 100 destinations in China served by China Southern.

British Airways

British Airways announced plans to significantly expand services out of London, Gatwick Airport this summer.  More than 150 additional weekly flights will be available to new destinations or for added frequencies to the carrier’s most popular destinations.

Delta Air Lines

Delta unveiled plans to boost service from Boston and Nashville. New daily service from Boston to Charleston, South Carolina will commence June 8. Then on June 9, Delta will launch flights from Boston to Aruba and will increase frequencies to Jacksonville and Kansas City.  Also on June 9, Delta will increase frequencies between Nashville and Pittsburgh to three times daily.